Flying Aces Add 12 Players
February 27, 2006 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Rapid City Flying Aces News Release
Rapid City, SD - The Rapid City Flying Aces of the National Indoor Football League (NIFL) announced today that Head Coach Dan Maciejczak has chosen twelve top-notch players to aid the team in its quest for the Pacific Conference title. Jesse Ranek (LB), Quinlan Porter (DB), Joe Zogg (OL), Josh Martin (WR), and Willie Stephen (DL) all played from with the previous Rapid City team last season. The newest team in Rapid City, the Flying Aces, opens their schedule on March 11th at home versus the Big Sky Thunder of Bozeman, MT.
Two additional NIFL experienced players will join the Flying Aces, including Ledurial Wells (WR) and Corey Roberson (DB). Former Huron University star Kyle Wilson made a good impression on Coach Majic at the recent tryout and was offered a contract. Rookie Wide Receivers Terrell Crain and Dante Dudley arrived in town from California last weekend and are excited about the opportunity to play professional football. The team also signed two former Black Hills State University players, defensive lineman John Smit, and defensive back Brian Anderson.
"Every one of these players can have an immediate impact for our team this season," said Coach Maciejczak. "I am thrilled to have Jesse Ranek returning because of his tremendous leadership qualities in addition to being excellent player," added Coach Maciejczak.
"We are pleased that Coach Majic is putting together a talented and experienced group of players," stated the Flying Aces Ownership Group. "We are determined to bring the NIFL Championship to Rapid City and believe that we are building the nucleus of a team to do so."
Ranek, the defensive leader of the now defunct Rapid City Red Dogs team, hails originally from Tyndall, SD. The 5'11, 235 lbs linebacker from South Dakota State University also played in the German Football League and the Show Me Believers, a former NIFL team based out of St. Louis. His brother, Josh, plays in the CFL. Ranek also owns a gym in Spearfish, SD called Ranek Gym & Sports Training.
Willie Stephen is another familiar face back in Rapid City; he has played for the Red Dogs the last two seasons and for the La Crosse Night Train in 2003. Former SDSMT standout Joe Zogg has also been signed to help anchor the offensive line. Defensive Back Quinlan Porter and Wide Receiver Josh Martin round-out the returning starters from the Red Dogs. Porter started his collegiate career at Western Illinois before transferring to SD Tech, where he is now an assistant coach. Josh Martin, a native of Spearfish, was an NSIC All-Conference Selection as a two-year starter at Northern State University.
Veteran Defensive Back Corey Roberson returns to Rapid City, after leaving last season to play for the San Angelo Stampede. During the off-season, Corey has spent the last four seasons coaching defensive backs at Lakeland College, fitting, beings that he is third all-time in career interceptions at the school with 17. Wide Receiver Ledurial Wells also brings experience to the Flying Aces roster after spending the 2005 season in Everett, WA playing under Coach Majic.
Ball Hawk Brian Anderson brings a little local flavor to the mix. At Black Hills State University, Anderson had a knack for finding the ball and hopes to carry them same instincts over the Flying Aces in 2006. John Smit, also from BHSU, adds some depth and size to the defensive line. Smit earned Second Team All-Conference honors as a senior.
The teams tryout proved to be a success as the Flying Aces may have found a diamond in the rough with the signing of Defensive End Kyle Wilson. Wilson was selected as an All-Conference performer at Huron University three consecutive seasons.
New to the indoor game, but no stranger to Flying Aces Quarterback Albert Higgs are Terrell Crain and Dante Dudley. Both Crain and Dudley played semi-pro football with Higgs this past season. The 5'11, 200 lbs Crain and 6'2, 210 lbs Dudley, helped the Daly Renegades win the Semi-Pro National Championship.
The Flying Aces play their home games at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center beginning on March 11 when they take on the Big Sky Thunder of Bozeman, MT. For tickets call (605) 716-ACES or visit www.gotmine.com.
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- Flying Aces Add 12 Players - Rapid City Flying Aces
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